Insurance officials meet with Kinzinger

Members of the Illinois Association of Mutual Insurance Companies (IAMIC) traveled to Capitol Hill recently to be the voice for members and join the national association to discuss important issues within the insurance industry.

Angie Dallam from Peru Waltham Mutual Insurance met with U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger. One important issue discussed is the guidelines for the Federal Insurance Office (FIO) that could take authority away from state departments of insurance.

"We focused on the need to keep authority within our state so consumers, as well as companies, have contacts that are familiar with Illinois," Dallam said.

"In addition, we discussed the regulations behind unmanned aircrafts (drones). While many consumers have purchased the drone for personal entertainment, insurance companies utilize them in daily operations," she said.

To provide a safer work environment, drones are used to view high roofs, and they are invaluable in disaster areas where road access is impassable. The commercial use of drones is also being used by emergency management services where lives can be saved because the drones can locate victims faster.

The discussion with Congress is related to the FAA rules of private air space versus public air space, and the need for clarity is vital.

Dallam shared knowledge and resources with several Illinois representatives, as well as both senators.